Manager Gary Johnson leaves Bristol City after 'altercation with the players' following defeat by Plymouth

Gary Johnson has left Bristol City by mutual consent amid allegations of an altercation with his players following Tuesday’s 3-2 defeat by Plymouth.

The
City squad were called to a meeting on Thursday morning, when the manager's departure was confirmed.

The Robins have registered just two wins in their last 12 Coca-Cola Championship games and are seven points above the relegation zone.

The 54-year-old took charge at Ashton Gate in 2005 and won promotion to the Championship two years later before taking them to within 90 minutes of a place in the Barclays Premier League. However, their dreams were ended by a 1-0 defeat to Hull at Wembley.

Johnson presided over 239 games, winning 96, drawing 69 and losing 74, the last of which came courtesy of their last-gasp 3-2 reverse at relegation-threatened Plymouth on Tuesday night.

Johnson's assistant Keith Millen will take charge of Saturday's visit of Newcastle.

Chairman Steve Lansdown admitted it was 'the right time to make a change'.

He said: 'I would like to place on record my thanks to Gary for the fantastic
work he has done over four and a half years at the club.

'Winning promotion from League One and reaching the Championship play-off final will always live long in the memory for myself and I'm sure for our supporters as well.

'Results haven't gone as well as everyone would have liked this season and
it's been mutually agreed now is the right time to make a change.'

Johnson revealed he was pleased with what he achieved at the club.

He said: 'I'd like to thank the chairman for his continual support throughout
the last four and a half years and congratulate him on taking the club to the
level it currently enjoys.

'I thank the majority of the club's fans for their tremendous support during my time with the club.

'I thank the players and staff for their continued efforts in getting this club from what was a position at the bottom of League One when I joined to promotion to the Championship, to the play-off final for a place in the Premier
League and then to compete in the Championship thereafter.

'I leave Bristol City FC with fond memories but feel the time is right to move
on to a new challenge.'